The Peace Institute, during its nearly twenty years of life has gathered a vast knowledge and kompetence on issues related to the \u00c5land autonomy, demilitarization and neutralization as well as on the cultural and linguistic protection arrangements linked to the system. This knowledge should be disseminated to both scientific and other circles. At the same time, the system has to be continually reviewed and analyzed critically. The question of cultural minorities’ participation in democratic decision-making processes is one of the most burning questions after the Second World War and especially after 1970 – and 1980’s identity movements worldwide.<\/p>\n
The project “\u00c5land’s example: still interesting and relevant?” is going on during the years 2010-2011. The project analyzes \u00c5land regime’s dynamic nature and development of contacts between the \u00c5land Islands, Helsinki and elsewhere to continue to manage the tensions that inevitably comes up in a regime of self-government with shared powers and the pressures of globalization. The project follows up on how \u00c5land’s example has been used in international conflict through case studies. Three researchers at the Peace Institute and several external writers are involved in the project. Some experts, diplomats and politicians were interviewed on the experience of the use of autonomy and \u00c5land example in conflict situations around the world.<\/p>\n
Objective:<\/strong> The aim of the research and publication is: Results: International conference and book on the \u00c5land Example in November 2011<\/strong><\/p>\n On Tuesday 1 November 2011 an international conference, “The \u00c5land Example and its components – Relevance for International Conflict Resolution” <\/strong>was held in Mariehamn, \u00c5land. The conference summarizes the research project on the \u00c5land Example. Simultaneously a publication including the research results was launched.<\/p>\n
\n-To analyze and discuss problems \u00c5land’s example as a dynamic regime
\n-To identify the use of \u00c5land’s example in conflict situations
\n-To make visible and analyze the methods that Finland and \u00c5land have developed to deal with the\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 cultural and linguistic diversity in Finland
\n-To disseminate the results to an international audience.<\/p>\n